Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) Flashcards

In clinical supervision, the term 'gatekeeping' refers to which supervisory responsibility?

Answer: Evaluating supervisee competence and limiting entry of unfit individuals into the profession

Gatekeeping is the supervisor's professional and ethical responsibility to evaluate supervisee competence and prevent unfit individuals from advancing in or entering the counseling profession.

Which supervision approach is most closely associated with Salvador Minuchin's structural family therapy concepts adapted for supervisory practice?

Answer: Systemic/structural supervision

Systemic/structural supervision draws from structural family therapy concepts, examining organizational and relational patterns within the supervisory and therapeutic systems.

When a supervisee develops strong romantic feelings toward their supervisor, this is best described as which clinical phenomenon?

Answer: Transference

Transference occurs when the supervisee projects feelings—in this case romantic feelings—onto the supervisor, often reflecting patterns from earlier relationships.

According to ACS ethical guidelines, what must a supervisor do before entering a supervisory relationship with a former client?

Answer: Wait a minimum of two years and carefully evaluate potential harm

Ethical guidelines require a minimum waiting period (typically two years) and careful evaluation of potential exploitation or harm before supervising a former client.

Which format of supervision involves the supervisor directly observing the counseling session in real time, often through a one-way mirror or live video feed?

Answer: Live supervision

Live supervision involves the supervisor observing the counseling session as it happens, allowing for immediate feedback or in-session intervention.

The concept of 'isomorphism' in supervision suggests that:

Answer: Patterns and processes mirror each other across multiple system levels

Isomorphism refers to the way structural and relational patterns repeat across system levels—between therapy, supervision, and training—reflecting parallel organizational dynamics.

A supervisor notices that a supervisee consistently avoids discussing a particular type of client. This is most likely an example of:

Answer: A supervisee blind spot requiring reflective attention

Consistent avoidance of a client type typically signals a blind spot—an area where personal biases, unresolved issues, or anxiety are interfering with clinical effectiveness, which supervision should address.